It's the first
Wednesday in the month, which means it's time for the Insecure
Writer's Support Group to come to order. So, what insecurities are
plaguing me this month?
I think I might have
made a mistake and over-estimated how good I actually am at this
writing thing. Not the writing itself, I'm not amazing at it, but I
can write stories that (usually) make sense, that have a beginning, a
middle and an end. It's what comes afterwards that I'm having the
problems with, the editing.
I know lots of people
have difficulties with this, they read and they learn and they work
through it. I've read, I'm learning, I'm taking advice and I still
can't get it right. I had some brilliant feedback from someone about
the story I'm working on but, no matter how I try, I can't seem to
make the changes in a way that makes sense. I'm now at the point
where I dread opening up the damn document. I just want to start the
first draft of something new and forget this one exists. But I've
done that, four times. I promised myself that 2012 would be the year
I finally got something 'finished'.
I'm actually not as
bothered by this as I was a few weeks ago. I'm beginning to resign
myself to the fact that I might never finish something. Is it the end
of the world if I just write story after story, first drafts, all of
them? I never expected to make any money from my writing, so perhaps
this is where it ends, a whole bunch of ideas sitting on my computer.
I'll still be writing.
Ah,Sarah - I know that feeling! I have great trouble finishing anything that goes beyond 2000 words. I put it down partly to having to write in drips and drabs, which makes me feel as though I can never get my teeth into it properly. I've been lucky and has some stories accepted, but I feel as though I'm going 'off the boil' and it's a horrible feeling. I sympathise - but as you said, you'll still be writing and when the time is right I bet something will gel and one of those many first drafts will sing out to you and eventually be finished! Keep at it, but don't flog dead horses! x
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting what you've said about length, as I'm getting more into trying out short stories at the moment. Maybe this is what I should have be doing all along :-)
DeleteThank you so much for the encouragement Linda.
There are so many skills involved with writing that we can't all be good at all of them. You've got 4 projects underway, which is fantastic. The editing will be trial and error for you, but you'll practise and you'll get there - just like if you were learning to make coffee the Starbucks way or weld a ship so it doesn't sink (wow, that was really hard to think of examples).
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of welding a ship - it also reminds me that at least nobody will drown if I don't get this right first time!
DeleteNo, it's not the end of the world if you only write first drafts. It seems a shame though not to make your work as good as possible though. Editing, just like writing a first draft, is something that we get better at with practice.
ReplyDeleteI suggest you copy the story, so no matter what you do to it you still have the original. That way you can play about making big changes to see what works. If you don't think the changes are an improvement then make another copy and try again.
You're definitely right about copying the story. I learnt that lesson the hard way! Thanks Patsy.
DeleteMe too! I love getting everything paper and mostly it's readable but when I come to edit I just can't see my own errors or change things that didn't need to be changed. Why is it so hard to edit your own work?
ReplyDeleteI'm a new follower so look forward to stalking you! :) I'm also doing the blog-hop so see you around blogworld :)
I so agree! It's so much easier to see the flaws in others work, isn't it?
DeleteWelcome to you Jade, I look forward to stalking you right back ;-)
I hate editing too. Don't give up. Maybe start with "the end" and work your way up?? You'll find something that works for you.
ReplyDeleteThat's an interesting suggestion, I might try that. Thank you.
DeleteHi Sarah. You're not alone. My computer files are full of unfinished stories - good ideas that I started writing about then couldn't see where the finish line was. Now I dip into these files for RFWer. They're usually over 1,000 words so I edit them down to 400 words of flash fiction depending on the prompt. A great way to practise finding out what the core of the story is about and getting rid of all the superfluous words.
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing wrong with moving on to the next story then coming back to earlier ones later. Sometimes I just lose interest in what I'm writing one week then go back to it later and take a fresh look. Reading lots helps keep the creative juices going.
Hope some of this helps my friend!
Denise
Yes, it really does help. Knowing that someone who writes as well as you do has the same kind of troubles makes me more hopeful. Thank you :-)
DeleteI wasn't quite sure by your post whether the problem was editing (mechanics) or revising (content) or both.
ReplyDeleteOutlining the entire story as written, then highlighting problem areas or a wish list of fixes/changes might help you out, if content is the problem. Sometimes a re-write is in order.(I once converted a story from first person POV to third person POV -- then proceeded to rewrite the plot at least 5 times. I'm still not sure whether I have it whipped into shape. However, writing other stories in between helped me out.)
If it's editing -- punctuation and grammar -- that's the problem ... well, all you can do is study on it and laboriously work through the story as many times as you need to get it right. Not fun, but there's no short cut!
Ah, you're right. I don't mean editing, I mean revising. I actually like the mechanics (although, always too many commas!.
DeleteYou know, you've hit it. I think a complete rewrite might be the way to go, once, I've highlighted the problems, thank you.
Maybe if you made an outline of the key points you could better see where it's going wrong?
ReplyDeleteI'm weird - I like the editing part.
That's not weird, it's lucky :-)
DeleteI enjoy the revision process, and often find that research helps. Really dig into the subject matter, or a character's traits, and see if that helps you bring necessary change to the page.
ReplyDeleteThank you Joanne, I shall re-read it with fresh eyes. (Eventually!).
DeleteRevisions are tough, Sarah. No doubt about that. But I find that once you start, you have to keep going until the bitter end. I'm doing my zillionth round of revisions right now, and it can get disheartening. But stick with it! It will start to come together, and you'll be happier because of it.
ReplyDeleteI guess the hardest part is the actual starting! And good luck to you too, remember you're almost there :-)
DeleteWe all have work that we're not particularly happy with, you just need to keep going until it turns into something that you are happy with. Good writing doesn't just happen, it starts off rough and needs perfecting over time, you'll get there just keep believing in yourself.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sarah, I tell myself that I'll get there in the end.
DeleteI love your insecure writer's support group, Sarah. I think you're too hard on yourself, but I'm the same way, so it's good for me to read these posts. I'm a very slow writer and a slow reviser. Sometimes I just have to pretend I lost the first draft and try to rewrite it a different way. Other times, I need to let it sit for a while. It helps me to read other authors' stories to get ideas for revisions.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing I have a hard time with is this: It's never going to be perfect. Some day, you're just going to have to let it go out into the world even though there are some things you could probably still change.
The group was Alex Cavanaugh's brainchild. The man's a genius!
DeleteI love the idea of rewriting as if you'd lost the first draft - could work!
Editing is so hard, and I know what you mean. I have books that I decided it would be just easier to try writing them again from scratch. And I know you don't want to take a break because you're afraid of it, but maybe what you need to do is give it a little bit of time. Maybe 2012 is the year you get *back* to a project after you've given it some time to breathe.
ReplyDeleteGood luck, and know that we are all cheering you on.
Thank you Rena, your words mean a lot, especially as I know you're really busy right now. A break is definitely good!
DeleteHey Sarah,
ReplyDeleteAs someone with a *drawer* full of half-filled ms's I can feel your pain, but darn it woman, we just can't stop, can we... just think of the possibilities... an anthology of half-finished word.. it could be interactive and everything... ask the readers how would YOU finish this? You'll make a fortune:)
OK, so I'm only trying to raise a smile, but seriously writing is part of who you are... and I'n not half-bad at editing... if you want to chuck me a couple of chapters, I'd be *MORE* than happy to lend a hand (for the mere cost of two packets of pickled onion per chapter:)
And, bloody hell... its only Feb. 1... there's another 334 days to go... you WILL finish something this year :)
pickled onion? Really? Love your point about the date.
DeleteMark - you always make me smile. Don't price yourself too cheaply my friend :-)
DeleteNancy - it's pickled onion monster munch he's talking about, he doesn't have the upmarket tastes that I do, only flamin' hot will do for me :-)
You'll finish something, I guarantee it! But for now, I know exactly how you feel. Editing is daunting. We can do it, though!
ReplyDeleteAww, thank you Ruth. Yes we can, can't we? (Although I might start with something smaller than a novel!).
DeleteOh my... frustrating indeed. I'm reminded of the line of Stephen Frye's: "I'll leave it to my editors to tidy up the who's and whose" or something like that. It's an encouraging little wordle on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7E-aoXLZGY
ReplyDeleteEndure, sister.
K
Hi Kim and welcome to you. Thank you so much for giving me that link, I must share it some time, it's wonderful. And 'Sound-Sex' is my new favourite description :-)
DeleteYou'll finish the right one at the right time. Until then, if you enjoy writing the first draft and moving on don't fret.
ReplyDeleteLet's strive to make 2012 our best year yet!
Thank you Isis, perhaps I'm trying to run before I can walk.
DeleteAnd yes, let's :-)
I feel your pain. I'm in the thick of revisions. Some sections are easy (add a comma here, kill an adverb there...) but some are tough.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to significant changes at the macro level, I find it helps to step away from the words and think about the outcome...need to increase the tension in this chapter, or connect more with that character, what ideas come to mind? Treat it as if I'm writing something new, with the outcome in mind, get some snippets down, and only then see how to work the new ideas back into the original manuscript.
I've realised from these comments that it's not editing (the commas and adverbs) that are the problem, it's the revision. I like your idea about thinking about the 'bigger picture' of a scene or chapter, and then going from there, thank you.
Deletemake an outline draft before you write. that would help.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I do, but I tend to veer off. Maybe an outline after the first draft might help, though.
DeleteIf I may be as bold as to offer you some advice, take a few days off. Don't write. Don't edit. Read or go walking every day or try doing something new.
ReplyDeleteI think you have a bad case of editor's burn-out. Writing won't make that better. Resting will. :-)
Oh yes, advise away. Especially when it's as sensible as that! Thank you :-)
DeleteI agree with Misha, take some time to clear your head before approaching it again. If you walk up to it fresh you might have better success.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
Thanks Jamie, I think that's sound advice. I'm realising it's okay to take some time off, doesn't mean I have to give up :-)
DeleteJust look support you have with this!
ReplyDeleteI think it's fine to write nothing but first drafts, if you've not submitting anything to be published. But - if you long to see your words in Real Print - then editing is a must. So, maybe when you get the submitting urge, that's when you unearth one of those first drafts, one you've forgotten about, and find how you can improve it.
Once you've done it a few times, you might even come to enjoy it - seeing that first wonderful idea crystallise into something fab!
I know, aren't bloggers wonderful?
DeleteI did have a longing to see myself in 'print'. I think I've tried to persuade myself that it's just a silly dream because I can't see it happening, but all these comments and helpful suggestions are starting to make me think it isn't as impossible as I thought. Thank you for being part of that :-)
Find an area of writing that you do feel comfortable with and concentrate on that. I'm positive that all will be well.
ReplyDeleteYvonne,
That would be the 'technical' stuff :-)
DeleteThanks Yvonne.
I have to agree with Misha, I think sometimes we all just need to take a step back and take some time out for ourselves. Otherwise you end up trying to burn the candles at both ends so to speak. Take your time and relax honey.x
ReplyDeleteI should remember that there's no deadline, no gun to my head. I can do this :-)
DeleteEverytime I read your blog I wonder exactly how much we have in common. It seems to be a great deal. I think I posted on this same topic for a different month of IWSG. Anyhow, what I am trying to do this year with the book The Plot Whisperer is to plot from the beginning, hoping that maybe that will reduce how much editing needs to be done since I HATE it and always end up going on to something new or sending off something that I'm not that happy with. The latter choice has given me a very small success rate. I do know that if I have a set date for someone else to read something of mine that gets my butt in gear pretty quick on the editing. But I find I need at least two groups of people. One to give it a first read through and then another to read it after I've corrected things from the first round. Otherwise the critiqued ms just sits around while I work on something else. Hope that is helpful.
ReplyDeleteBecause my reply wasn't long enough :) I had something else to add. This plotting ahead idea was especially difficult for me to swallow because I (this is me buffing my nails against my jacket) am pretty good at coming up with great plots. So we will have to see if this works.
DeleteThis is helpful. I try to do an outline but I always veer off of it, but I'm thinking now that doing one AFTER the first draft of what I've actually written, then looking at it and seeing what I need to change might work. Thanks Nancy.
DeleteEditing is a bear and I am an editor for a living! Much harder with your own stuff, though. BC you are tired of it and want it to be perfect. We have to let go of that side of ourselves. Also, I find CPs and beta readers to be essential for my editing process. They are the ones to put out a map of what I should do. As hard as that sometimes is to follow...
ReplyDeleteYou are living proof of what I know to be true. It's so much easier to spot the flaws in someone else's work than your own :-)
DeleteI think it can help to leave a story for a while. When you come back to it, you may have fresh ideas - as long as you do come back to it!
ReplyDeleteYour last words are the real test aren't they? It's easy to walk away, harder to return!
DeleteI have had this same editing 'wall' right now I'm just through my book and doing what I can. The more I work on other parts of the book the more ideas I get for the parts that need fixing. I'm getting critiques, and I'm reading them but I'm not taking action until I've gone through the entire book first (and I'm keep their critiques in mind). It's really help get through all of my blocks. You can do it!!
ReplyDeleteIt helps to hear other people are going through this too (I hope that didn't sound mean!). Good luck to you, you're almost there :-)
DeleteOh I'm sure that you are a better writer than you give yourself credit for. I read somewhere that the very best writers always doubt their ability. And you can take that to the bank.
ReplyDeleteThank you Michael, I hope one day you'll be able to judge for yourself.
DeleteI used to hate editing too, but the more I do it the better I like it. There is something cool about making your story shine :)
ReplyDeleteSo what you're saying is that the key to this is practice! Darn, my mother was right again :-)
DeleteI have yet to start the editing process because I can't even seem to get the damn first draft done! But it seems it is incredibly difficult and so now I have another "thing" to focus on and fear. I'm such a head case! I truly hope you are able to fight this fear/block, but if not - perhaps in death you will be published! Is that a good thing??? ;)
ReplyDeleteJust because I find it difficult, doesn't mean that you will. You are an incredible writer, I have read the proof, so you just concentrate on getting that draft done and don't worry about anything else!
DeleteAnd yes, maybe the girls will find my work after I'm dead and clean it up for me :-)
Do you think it's more of an insecurity than a fact that you can't edit well?
ReplyDeleteHonestly? I don't know. It's so hard to judge our own work, isn't it?
DeleteSo long as you're reading and writing and learning you're moving in a positive direction and that's always worth while! :)
ReplyDeleteThat's a very good point :-)
DeleteWhat's teh actual problem you're having with the editing? Is it the technical stuff like the grammar? Because, if that's it, just get someone else to do it. Is it the seeing continuity errors? Because, if it is, you need someone else to read through it for you. I guess what I'm really saying is that saying that "editing" is the problem is a little broad and vague. Identify the specific issue and deal with that one thing.
ReplyDeleteYou're right. From the replies here I've realised that it's revision rather than editing that's difficult for me. I actually quite like the technical stuff. I've had some great suggestions on her that I think will help me move forward (she says, hopefully).
DeleteI was in the same boat for years! Don't despair! I still don't know if my novels make much sense, but I have finished some and that, for me, is a great achievement. It used to be boxes of first chapters! Don't give up. xoxo
ReplyDeleteIt's comments like yours that give me hope. Thank you :-)
DeleteSo you love to keep writing? Yay that's great. I encourage you push through, you might learn to enjoy editing too. Xx
ReplyDeleteStranger things have happened, so who knows? Thanks Michelle :-)
DeleteWhat a great question you ask! It actually sounds like it might not hurt you to just do all those drafts for a while - giving yourself permission to let what you've done be less than perfect. Anne Lamott calls them shitty first drafts. The more of them you write, the more confident you'll become. But then, PLEASE go back and look at them with fresh eyes later - I'm sure you will find gems, and perhaps the answers to what needs fixing will just pop into your head!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to you, and thank you for the encouragement. I'm feeling a lot better about things now :-)
DeleteSarah - you can TOTALLY finish! I know you can. I know it's not easy, but it just takes learning - like every other part of writing, and everything else we do in life. Hang in there girl. It'll all come together. Hook yourself up with some chocolate and then go make that MS rock! I know you can. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Leigh, even if you did distract me with thoughts of chocolate :-)
DeleteSarah: Are you an editor? If not, I just solved your problem. Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesars - and write the damn book!
ReplyDeleteYou make an excellent point :-)
DeleteFor a long time I didn't know how to make necessary changes. Then a light bulb slowly brightened as to how to make changes to a manuscript. Drafting, revising, and editing are an education unto themselves, along with feedback from others. You're moving in the right direction as long as you keep writing.
ReplyDeleteI'm relieved to read this. I've realised from the comments that there really is no substitute for practice. I might have thrown in the towel slightly too early :-)
DeleteEditing is all part of the process and I honestly believe, that as with the writing itself, the editing gets easier with practice. I feel like each year, I learn so much about writing that I never thought I'd get a grip on. I struggle with editing too - I think many of us do to a degree. But, you've made an awesome point. No matter what happens to any of our books, we're all still writing and that's what matters.
ReplyDeleteI'm feeling so much more encouraged after all these useful and supportive comments, thank you.
DeleteThe part after the first draft is very hard - I totally agree... I'm drowning in it right now, and I'm just staying afloat. But it's doable... and you can totally do it. I'll be by your side, helping you as much as you want... plus it'll help me get my butt into gear more...hehe:)
ReplyDeleteTania, thank you. We can be each other's life vests :-)
DeleteNope, not the end of the world at all if you do that. I've done it before, just post stories online where the only editing they've gotten was my sister's read through and me reading it out loud to myself. They're still done, it just that there are levels of being done. Plus, you have complete stories! I have so many on my computer lacking endings.
ReplyDeleteI love that 'there are levels of being done'. This is such a good thing to remember, thank you :-)
DeleteThis is exactly where I'm at right now! I know my wip is not done, but I can't quite figure out how to make it right--and I would love to just move on. Except been there done that. I think I need to mentally regroup!!
ReplyDeleteA break and a return with fresh eyes is definitely where I'll be starting. Good luck Coleen, I know you can do it.
DeleteWhy not join us over at RomanticFridayWriters - a bi-weekly friday challenge, writing a 400 word romantic story to a prompt and posting it everyother friday. Before I joined them, I never finished anything, but having such a short space of time, a defined prompt and immediate critique has really helped me!
ReplyDeleteIf you fancy it, the link is over at my place
Laura x
Laura, you don't know how many times I've tried writing something for RFW. I'm just not very good at romance. My characters kept killing each other. I always watch out for the prompts though. One day I'll get it :-)
DeleteI feel similarly right now. I've never actually gone back over a novel I finished and polished it, which is what I'm trying to do with my first novel--it's so hard to know what to start with, whether the project should be scrapped entirely, and whether the new ideas are connected enough to the original to even be considered part of the same story.
ReplyDeleteI think what I hate the most is the part where you start to wonder even about the stuff you thought was good to start with. That's why I know I need a break :-)
DeleteI have absolute faith that you can do it. I adore your writing.